Urbanization is taking over, and the need for recreation and residential spaces is growing. Cemeteries are filling up, and many have started to look for other resting methods, such as cremation, green burials, and body composting. Experts predict that Arlington cemetery will run out of space soon, and others will likely follow. Therefore, it's about time Washington encourages the public to opt for alternative burial methods. They could do so by offering reduced taxes and low-cost alternative burial methods.

Many residents already have a positive attitude toward alternative burial methods. It begs to reason that a state mandate could be exceptionally favorable if there were proactive guidance to bereaved families about options. Many people do not know there are more eco-friendly alternatives than graves and cremation. Additionally, many people are surprised to realize that traditional burial costs way more than cremation and composting methods. 

The environmental risks that traditional burial entails cannot be denied, especially embalming the body with chemical substances that leach into the ground as the body decomposes. The use of polished wood caskets is another problematic factor.

In short, traditional burial is quite expensive and unsustainable. With cemeteries running out of space, traditional burials are becoming a major logistical issue.

People need parks and housing, not shrines and graves. Rather than abandoning unattended, unkempt cemeteries, policymakers should look into the Berlin burial model, where closed cemeteries are turned into housing and recreational solutions. 

There might be pushback from religious affiliates. However, sustainability and urbanization must go hand in hand. Cemetery upkeep is an expensive and exhausting task. Some stakeholders believe that increasing taxes is not the only solution and that families should lease the grave for years.

Another option is cremation, where a body is incinerated at high temperatures. While cremation is cheaper than elaborate caskets, it has environmental concerns such as carbon dioxide emissions. 

Washington is actively pursuing eco-friendly methods, including body composting or "natural burial." The composting method lets the dead return to their roots and connects them with the soil again. Therefore, the notion that traditional burial is the only way to honor the dead is erroneous. The lack of burial spaces and environmental implications allow the state to advocate for other burial methods.